Implantación de un programa sistemático de revisión de prescripciones electrónicas

Abstract

Objective

To implement a systematic review of electronic prescriptions with a view to promoting the safe and efficient use of drugs.

Materials and method

This scheme was introduced in May 2010 in a Primary Healthcare District serving a population of approximately half a million inhabitants, and involved the analysis and close monitoring of the electronic prescriptions generated by general practitioners. All patients receiving electronic prescriptions were included in the study, and priority was given to patients on multiple medication. From its very inception the project was considered crucial to improving the safe and efficient use of prescription drugs, and was designed and promoted by the Directors of the Primary Healthcare District and by the members of its Pharmacy Department, with monitoring provided by the Directors of each Primary Healthcare Centre. To measure its impact, we employed the following as monitoring indicators: estimated annual cost/TAFE and estimated annual number of prescriptions/TAFE. TAFE relates to the individual healthcare card weighted in accordance with the age of the user and his or her related pharmaceutical cost.

Results

The original aim was successfully achieved, and is reflected in the large number of patients reviewed, in a decrease in the estimated annual number of prescriptions, and, consequently, in the corresponding pharmaceutical cost.

Conclusion

Electronic prescribing is an important tool in developing more effective management of the general practitioner clinic, but failure by the physician to monitor prescribed treatments over prolonged periods leads to the inappropriate use of therapeutic resources and, to avoid this, it is essential to implement strategies such as the one described.